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METHANOL FROM ALASKAN GAS

The possibility of converting Alaska's natural gas into methanol and shipping it to the states via a gas pipeline is being explored. This conversion process would bring the gas to the states four years earlier than the planned natural gas pipeline. Although additional expenses would be incurred both in shipping costs and energy, the FEA believes it is worth this since it would mean gas sooner for consumers. A new market for methanol is coming into existence as a result of its use as a motor fuel additive, by which it increases mileage and cuts down on pollution. In California, legislation is proposed that would require a 5% addition of methanol to gasoline by 1980, with increasing percentages in future years. Other uses for methanol underscore its technical and economic feasibility for use as a petroleum substitute. The proposal of transporting it by natural gas pipeline is still under consideration by the FEA at this time.